Who Should You Sue if You Slipped and Fell at Your Local Mall?
December 1, 2020
The holiday season is once again upon us. As Black Friday prices go down, the number of shoppers will surely go up. Just as you would expect, an increase in mall traffic in Pittsburgh and the surrounding towns also means an increase in mall-related accidents, especially slips and falls.
Read more: Is It Possible to Sue a Business Because of a Personal Injury?
Slip and fall accidents are nothing to joke about. While even minor falls can leave you with a few scrapes and bruises, slip and fall accidents can result in significant injuries to your back, shoulders and head. There are several reasons why falls seem more common during the holidays. One very important factor is the sharp increase in shoppers. The mall management and security may not be prepared to effectively handle this surge in shoppers.
Here are a few other common causes of slip and fall accidents in malls:
- Cracked tiles
- Dropped items or debris
- Puddles or ice from outside
- Slippery tiles
- And more
Read more: When Can You Sue for a Parking Lot Injury?
Who Is Liable for Slip and Fall Injury Within a Pittsburgh Mall?
At first glance, the answer may seem obvious: the mall owner of course. But what if the incident occurred inside a department store? Or what if you were injured by another shopper? Let’s break it down into different scenarios.
- Claims against the shopping mall owner or management company. The shopping mall management is directly responsible for public areas like hallways, parking lots, restrooms, food courts, elevators, and escalators.
- Claims against the retail store owner or management company. The retail store owner is directly responsible for ensuring your safety within the confines of their store. Therefore under Section 3 (1) of the Occupier’s Liability Act, you become their responsibility the second you walk through their door.
- Claims against manufacturers of defective equipment. This may be somewhat complicated because you have to prove that your injury was caused by a manufacturers fault and not simply negligence by the mall management
- Claims against individuals. You can file a claim against a private individual if you feel they directly caused your injury.
If you’re injured within a shopping mall you may have more than one claim. For instance, if you’re injured within a retail store your primary claim may be against the retail store owner or management and your secondary claim may be against the mall owner or management. These cases can be incredibly complex, so having an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side to help guide you through this process is essential.
Read more: Items Needed to Prove a Slip and Fall Case
Contact A Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer To Discuss Your Slip and Fall Accident Case In Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a slip and fall accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Goodrich & Geist, P.C. represent clients injured because of slip and fall accidents in Pittsburgh and the surrounding Western PA counties. Call (412) 564-4770 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3634 California Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
